Melbourne Quarter bridges the gap between the CBD and Docklands
Melbourne Quarter last week took a major step forward with the completion of a new deck overlooking Wurundjeri Way. Once completed, the deck will connect the precinct’s three commercial towers and form the ground level of the precinct’s public square on Collins Street, which will be one of the most significant public spaces in the central city.
Melbourne Quarter's footprint will see more than 50 per cent dedicated toward public space, including the elevated Skypark garden perched above Collins Street. From the public's perspective Skypark will combine a green city square with retailers, bars and restaurants; all flanked by Lendlease's three commercial towers.
Melbourne Quarter will bridge the gap between Docklands and the CBD, as the commercial centre of the city moves westward. As Melbourne Quarter becomes more visible on the city’s skyline, it signals Lendlease’s confidence in Melbourne’s commercial growth in the Southern Cross Precinct and the continued appetite for smarter, more energy-efficient offices.
Our first commercial building is testament to the desire for contemporary, well-designed offices in the city’s best connected location and the continued tenant interest in the project.
Arup and Lendlease will relocate their Victorian workforces to One Melbourne Quarter next year, taking up three and four levels of office space respectively. In the coming months, we expect to make further announcements on more leading businesses that will become part of our new and exciting city neighbourhood.
Mark Menhinnitt: Managing Director for Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Development
The precinct’s next office tower, Two Melbourne Quarter, was lodged for planning in late July, whilst construction on One Melbourne Quarter commenced during October last year. A total of seven commercial and residential buildings will be delivered in the precinct.
Once completed, Melbourne Quarter will offer approximately 130,000sqm of flexible office space for more than 12,000 employees, and will be home to approximately 3,000 residents.
As Lendlease advances the Melbourne Quarter's footprint, the above-mentioned projects will expand the development further south toward Flinders Street.
Lendlease has applied to relocate Bunjil (below right) further south along the Wurundjeri Way road reservation. This would likely occur prior to the commencement of Melbourne Quarter's two more substantial commercial towers, with the taller reaching 27 levels.
From a public interest perspective, Lendlease have also secured approval from Heritage Victoria to restore 220 metres of historic 1890's red brick retaining wall facing Flinders Street. Sometimes referred to as the 'Wailing Wall', the polychrome brick structure will eventually be punctured in order to create a Flinders Street entrance for the forthcoming residential towers that doubles as a new public link connecting Melbourne Quarter to Spencer Street.
